Is Tesla Further Delaying Model X Deliveries In China?

Tesla’s Model X was late to production by a few years, and now, there are reports that international deliveries of the vehicle – especially in China – may be running even further behind schedule than initially believed. EV Obsession pointed to a recent post on a popular Tesla forum that questions the delivery schedule.

Model X further delayed in China?

A commentator by the name “Festerfeet” posted on the Tesla Motors Club forum that he may not get his Model X, which initially he was told would be delivered by late June, until the end of the year. He cited a store employee.

“During our conversation I explained when I had ordered and confirmed and gave him my vin – ends 61XX (because I am that sad individual that remembers long numbers). He told me that I had a long wait ahead. I said no, surely not, I had been told by my DS that the car was likely to go into production mid-may [sic] and could be in China by the end of June. He then told me that I was unlikely to see my car until the end of the year,” read the post.

Speculating on the reasons for the delay, the author says the EV firm must be witnessing some change in focus, or there has been a break down in communication. The author is amazed at how slowly things are moving, even though there is no change in policy at Tesla.

“… how can things have slowed down that much so quickly without a policy change at Tesla or a complete about face in priorities for the company in China?” the person asks rhetorically.

Festerfeet notes that “Something is not right,” as recently the design studio for the Model X opened in China with expected delivery dates set as the second half of 2016 for all models.

Tesla boosting charging network in China

Meanwhile, Tesla is planning to boost its charging infrastructure in China, according to a top official.

“I am quite happy to say that charging is no longer a roadblock for most of our [Tesla drivers] in China,” said Tesla’s VP for the Asia-Pacific region, Robin Ren.

Presently, the U.S. firm has around 100 supercharging stations in China.

“Today you can drive all the way from Harbin, a city in the north, to Shenzhen which is located in the southernmost part of China with a Tesla car by using our supercharging network,” the executive said.

On Friday, Tesla shares closed down 4.61% at $218.79. Year to date, the stock is down by over 8%, while in the last year, it is down by almost 13%.

Author: Aman JainAman is MBA (Finance) with an experience on both Marketing and Finance side. He has worked as a Risk Analyst for AIR Worldwide, and is currently leading VeRa FinServ, a Financial Research firm. Favorite pastimes include watching science fiction movies, reviewing tech gadgets, playing PC games and cricket. - Email him at amanjain@valuewalk.com